Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/06—Respiratory or anaesthetic masks
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/08—Bellows; Connecting tubes ; Water traps; Patient circuits
  • A61M16/0816—Joints or connectors
  • A61M16/0841—Joints or connectors for sampling
  • A61M16/085—Gas sampling
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
  • A61G11/00—Baby-incubators; Couveuses
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/021—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes operated by electrical means
  • A61M16/022—Control means therefor
  • A61M16/024—Control means therefor including calculation means, e.g. using a processor
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/06—Respiratory or anaesthetic masks
  • A61M16/0666—Nasal cannulas or tubing
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/08—Bellows; Connecting tubes ; Water traps; Patient circuits
  • A61M16/0816—Joints or connectors
  • A61M16/0841—Joints or connectors for sampling
  • A61M16/0858—Pressure sampling ports
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/10—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
  • A61M16/1005—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours with O2 features or with parameter measurement
  • A61M16/101—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours with O2 features or with parameter measurement using an oxygen concentrator
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/10—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
  • A61M16/105—Filters
  • A61M16/1055—Filters bacterial
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/10—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
  • A61M16/105—Filters
  • A61M16/106—Filters in a path
  • A61M16/107—Filters in a path in the inspiratory path
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
  • A61M2016/0027—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure pressure meter
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
  • A61M2016/003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure with a flowmeter
  • A61M2016/0033—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure with a flowmeter electrical
  • A61M2016/0039—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure with a flowmeter electrical in the inspiratory circuit
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M2230/00—Measuring parameters of the user
  • A61M2230/40—Respiratory characteristics
  • A61M2230/43—Composition of exhalation
  • A61M2230/432—Composition of exhalation partial CO2 pressure (P-CO2)

Definitions

• the present invention pertains to a patient monitor for monitoring and/or quantitatively measuring a physiological characteristic of the patient, and, in particular, to an apparatus and method for monitoring and/or quantitatively measuring a physiological characteristic based, at least in part, on a pressure differential between a pressure within a user interface and an ambient atmospheric pressure outside the user interface.
• characteristics associated with respiration include the patient's flow, inspiratory period, expiratory period, tidal volume, inspiratory volume, expiratory volume, minute ventilation, respiratory rate, ventilatory period, and inspiration to
• expiration (I to E) ratio It is also important in many situations to identify still other characteristics associated with respiration, such as identifying the start, end and duration of a patient's inspiratory phase and expiratory phase, as well as detecting patient snoring. For example, when conducting a sleep study to diagnose sleep disorders or when
• a first conventional technique involves placing a thermistor or
• thermocouple in or near the patient's airway so that the patient's breath passes over the
• Breathing gas entering the patient has a temperature that is
• the thermistor senses this temperature difference
• flow sensor is only used to differentiate between inspiration and expiration. Sensors that
• Fig. 1 the patient is illustrated in Fig. 1 and involves placing a pneumotach sensor 30 in a breathing
• circuit 31 between a supply of breathing gas, such as a ventilator or pressure support
• breathing gas Q I N is provided to a patient 32 from a pressure source 34.
• pneumotach 30 includes a flow
• differential ⁇ P exists across of flow element 36. More specifically, flow element 36
• differential ⁇ P created by flow element 36 causes a lesser portion Q 2 of the gas delivered
• bypass channel 40 are known and fixed relative to one another, the amount of gas Q 2
• bypass channel 40 flowing through bypass channel 40 is a known fraction of the total gas flow QIN delivered
• Airflow sensor 42 quantitatively measures the amount of gas Q 2
• passing through pneumotach 30 can be determined.
• bypass channel 40 than an airflow sensor, is provided in bypass channel 40. Gas does not pass through the
• each side of a diaphragm in the pressure sensor communicates
• pressure differential ⁇ P across flow element 36 is PI
• First linear flow element 46 functions in the same manner as
• element 46 has a plurality of honey-comb like channels that extend in the direction of gas
• Fig. 1 can create downstream turbulence that hinders the flow of gas through the
• Row element 46 solves this
• honeycomb channels ensure that the flow
• Flow elements 48 and 50 are provided in the breathing circuit. Flow elements 48 and 50 have the same
• honeycomb configuration as flow element 46. Because gas can flow in both directions
• flow elements 48 and 50 are respectively located on each side of
• each entry port for bypass channel 40 is downstream of one of
• a pneumotach is relatively complicated and
• a third type of conventional airflow meter, illustrated in Fig. 3, is a nasal
• Nasal cannula airflow meter 52 is similar to a nasal oxygen
• cannula in that it includes a pair of ports 54 and 56 that insert into nares 58 and 60 of the
• a hollow tubing 62 carries a fraction of the total amount of breathing gas to a
• the nasal cannula airflow meter can be any suitable nasal cannula airflow meter.
• cannula cannot be known for both users. For example, a first user may deliver 30% of the
• onset of snoring and/or the intensity of snoring can be used, for example, as a trigger to
• determining whether the patient suffers from a sleep and/or breathing disorder is determining whether the patient suffers from a sleep and/or breathing disorder.
• these sensors are mounted on the user as an individual unit and are not
• microphones can pick up external sounds not
• body movements such as normal movements that take place during the night and/or throat vibrations resulting from coughing.
• monitoring device for monitoring and/or quantitatively measuring a physiological
• This object is achieved by providing a user interface having an interior
• element is associated with the user interface and connects the interior portion of the user
• vent element and
• the user interface define a flow element across which a pressure differential is created
• This pressure differential is a pressure difference
• a sensor coupled to the interior
• This signal can be
• the signal output by the sensor corresponds to a
• monitoring method for monitoring and/or quantitatively measuring a physiological
• This object is achieved by providing a method that includes
• the user interface also has at least one
• vent element associated therewith for communicating the interior portion of the user interface with the ambient atmosphere outside the user interface.
• the user interface define a flow element across which a pressure differential is created
• the method also includes using the output signal to determine a
• a patient monitoring apparatus that includes a user interface having an interior portion that communicates with the airway of a user, a device
• the processing unit determines a location of a structure in the user that causes
• FIGs. 1-2 are schematic diagrams of conventional pneumotach airflow
• Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a conventional nasal cannula airflow
• FIG. 4 A and 4B schematically illustrate a first embodiment of first portion
• Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram a second portion of the interface meter
• Figs. 6, 7 and 8 are charts illustrating the relationship between the output
• Fig. 9 is a more detailed circuit diagram of the interface meter illustrated
• Figs. 10A and 10B are waveforms illustrating the flow and volume of
• Fig. 11A is a waveform illustrating the uncalibrated flow signal output by
• Fig. 1 IB is a
• ⁇ 10- Fig. 12 is a waveform illustrating a flow signal produced by the interface
• present invention is used to analyze patient snoring
• Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of a circuit used to analyze a patient's snore
• Fig. 14 illustrates various configurations for a first embodiment of the
• Fig. 15 illustrates a second embodiment of an interface meter according to
• Fig. 16 illustrates a third embodiment of an interface meter according to
• Fig. 17 illustrates a fourth embodiment of an interface meter according to
• Fig. 18 illustrates a fifth embodiment of an interface meter according to
• Fig. 19 illustrates a sixth embodiment of an interface meter according to
• FIG. 4 A and 4B schematically illustrate a first embodiment of an interface
• Meter 70 includes a user
• interface 72 which in this embodiment is a mask worn over the nose and/or mouth of the
• a wall 73 of user interface 72 defines an interior
• portion 74 that receives the user's nose and/or mouth when worn by the patient.
• a plurality of holes 76 are provided in wall 73 of user
• interface 72 to exhaust exhaled gas from interior portion 74 to the ambient atmosphere
• a sensor 78 is coupled to a hole 80 in the user interface to measure a fluid
• sensor 78 is coupled to user interface 72 such
• sensor 78 The size and shape of sensor 78, hole 80 and a tubing 82 connecting
• sensor 78 to hole 80 are selected so as to minimize the resistance to flow between interior
• sensor 78 is an air flow meter that measures the rate of flow
• Holes 76 provided in user interface 72 function in much the same manner
• holes 76 create a slight
• the rate of flow of gas through sensor 78 can be qualitatively measured by sensor 78.
• the present invention is not limited to this particular configuration for communicating the
• venting structures that communicates the interior portion
• venting can be achieved in a mask that has no exhaust holes
• the combined mask and adapter is
• venting structures need not be provided directly in the mask.
• the venting mechanism such as holes 16, can have any shape, pattern, or number of holes so long as they function for their intended purpose - to communicate the interior of the user interface
• venting mechanism need not
• venting structure can vary.
• Sensor 78 measures the flow of gas Qs passing
• the rate of flow through the sensor is a
• the portion of gas passing through sensor 78 is a known fraction of the total amount of gas passing through holes 76 and 80, the total flow of gas to and from the interior portion of user interface 72 can be determined from the measured flow through meter 78.
• the measured flow through sensor 78 is linearly related to the total flow Q TOT into or out of interior portion 74 of user interface 72, so that once the flow through sensor 78 is known, the total flow into or out of the mask can be readily determined by applying a multiplying factor to signal 84 output from sensor 78. This can be accomplished, for example, by amplifying signal 84 by a predetermined amount.
• the determination of the total flow QTOT into interior portion 74 of user interface 72 using the measured flow through sensor 78 will be substantially the same for all users regardless of the physical characteristics of the patient
• respiration quantitatively, such as the flow and/or volume of gas provided to the patient.
• sensor 78 is a mass
• the output from the AWM2100V is a positive and negative
• differential signal that corresponds to the rate and direction of flow through the sensor.
• the AWM2100V sensor is particularly well suited for use in measuring the amount of
• user interface 72 can have an extremely low resistance so
• the mask or in the mask/patient interface can be taken into consideration in determining
• interior portion 74 of user interface 72 is between -2 cm H 2 O to 2 cm H 2 O.
• bacteria filter placed between user interface 72 and sensor 78, is 1 cm H 2 O at
• the present invention also contemplates that sensors other than an airflow
• sensor can be use as sensor 78.
• sensor 78 can be a pressure sensor.
• Another suitable sensor is an absolute pressure sensor that measures the pressure of
• Any sensor such as an airflow
• sensor 78 capable of outputting a signal indicative of that characteristic can be used as sensor 78.
• sensor 78 is a pressure sensor, gas does not pass through the sensor.
• one side of a diaphragm in sensor 78 communicates with interior portion 74 of user interface 72 and the other side of the
• the pressure sensor measures the pressure
• interface can be determined, for example, using a look-up table based on the known
• pressure sensor is an absolute pressure sensor. Regardless of whether sensor 78 is an airflow sensor, a pressure sensor, or
• the signal output by the sensor is typically an analog signal. If any other type of sensor, the signal output by the sensor is typically an analog signal.
• sensor 78 is an airflow sensor, signal 84 corresponds to the rate of flow of gas through the
• sensor 78 is a differential pressure
• signal 84 corresponds to a pressure differential across the flow element and also
• signal 84 corresponds to
• signal 84 can be used to quantitatively
• a characteristic associated with respiration such as patient flow or volume.
• signal 84 can be used to differentiate between
• inspiration and expiration and/or to detect snore corresponds to the respiratory
• analog signal 84 The value of analog signal 84
• signal 84 from sensor 78 is provided to an amplifier
• the digital output 90 of A/D converter 88 is provided to a processor 92 that corrects for
• signal 84 from sensor 78 is a signal indicative of the rate of flow of gas through the
• this signal is typically not linearly related to the
• signal 84 is provided to processor 92.
• Processor 92 Processor 92
• processor 92 can determine characteristics associated with respiration other
• processor 92 can integrate the corrected flow signal, processor 92 can
• a digital-to-analog converter 96 converts
• output device 100 is a monitor or an LED display, that converts signal 98 into a human
• perceivable output indicative of the characteristic associated with respiration such as rate
• output 94 from processor 92 can be provided in its
• a digital output device 99 such as a digital display, memory, terminal,
• processor 92 must correct for the non-linearity in the output of
• processor 92 calculates
• Fig. 6 is a graphical representation of a graphical user interface
• the processor is to be used, the relationship between the output of the sensor and the
• Curve 102 in Fig. 6 illustrates the relationship between the signal output
• sensor 78 for a first type of mask interface and the flow through that interface.
• zero flow point represents flow in a second direction, opposite the first direction, for
• curve 102 will have different shapes
• the interface meter can be used to calculate the interface meter.
• the same interface meter can be used to calculate the interface meter.
• Fig. 7 is similar to Fig. 6 in that it is a graph illustrating the relationship
• Fig. 7 denotes a linearly
• Fig. 7 includes a first curve 104, illustrated by a solid
• first direction typically during exhalation
• second curve 106 illustrated by a dotted
• the output from sensor 78 is positive during expiration and
• This table is used to determine the actual flow through the mask interface from the output
• curves 104 and 106 are calculated from an equation defining this relationship. For example, curves 104 and 106
• Fig. 7 can be generally defined by the following third order polynomial equation:
• processor 92 can solve for x to
• lookup tables can be used to determine the flow through the mask during expiration and
• the mask interface may change, requiring recalibration of processor 92 so that a
• Fig. 8 illustrates three curves 101, 103 and 105 defining the
• sensor 78 is a pressure monitor
• the same calibration i.e., voltage - flow curve, can be applied to
• the interface meters of the present invention can be commonly used.
• the interface meters of the present invention can be commonly used.
• processor 92 can contain a number of
• a selector is
• Processor 92 then uses the correct lookup table or equation or other technique for
• a memory portion in processor 92 can contain three lookup tables associated with three different mask sizes. The user selects the mask size
• Processor 92 uses the correct
• processor 92 As discussed above, a primary function of processor 92 in the present
• invention is to convert the signal from sensor 78 into a signal that accurately represents
• processor 92 will merely provide a multiplying function to calculate the total
• processor 92 can be eliminated
• Fig. 9 is a more detailed diagram of the circuit schematically illustrated in
• Amplifier 110 sets the control for a heater that is used in
• Outputs 112 and 1 14 of sensor 78 are positive and negative differential signals representing the flow
• Outputs of amplifiers 116 and 118 are provided to a differential amplifier 120.
• Amplifiers 116, 118 and 120 define amplifier 86 in Fig. 5 and convert the dual outputs of
• amplifiers 110, 116, 118 and 120 are provided on a same integrated circuit
• Signal 122 from amplifier 86 which is referred tc as a raw or uncalibrated
• A/D converter 88 such as an ADC10831 converter manufactured
• Digital output 90 of A/D converter 88 is provided to
• processor 92 is the PIC16C84 manufactured
• Processor 92 operates at a clock speed set by oscillator 124 to
• A/D converter 88, processor 92, and D/A converter can be fabricated on the same chip for
• processor 92 uses a lookup
• output 94 of processor 92 is a signal
• D/A converter 96 is a DAC0854 converter manufactured by
• a first pair of variable resistors 126 set the positive gain for the
• Analog signals 98 are provided to a display 100, such as an LCD or LED display,
• analog signals 98 are also provided to a pair
• external components such as a display, data storage device, alarm system, printer,
• circuitry illustrated in Fig. 9 on the same card or circuit board.
• Fig. 10A illustrates a waveform 134 of the flow through sensor 78 during
• Fig. 10A is one example of how the signal
• Waveform 136 in Fig. 10B can be generated, for
• waveforms 134 and 136 illustrated in Figs. 10A and 10B can be improved by increasing
• processor 92 This could be accomplished, for example, by
• Fig. 11 A illustrates a waveform 138 that corresponds to the uncalibrated
• Waveform 138 was generated while the user was asleep and snoring.
• the rapid signal fluctuations 137 at each apex of inhalation in waveform 138 correspond to
• processor 92 can be used, for example, as a trigger for a therapy
• Fig. 1 IB illustrates a waveform 140 that corresponds to the signal output
• 140 corresponds to the quantitative signal produced by processor 92 based on the raw
• Fig. 1 IB illustrates only the
• inspiration portion of the patient's flow which is the equivalent of the output at one of
• Fig. 1 IB exhibits relatively large and rapid fluctuations 139 during inspiration due to the patient's snoring. These rapid fluctuations can be detected in a variety of fashions, for
• the present invention can determine a
• processor 92 or using addition components that are either internal or external to the
• the volume V TOT can be done in place of or in addition to determining the flow QT O T of breathing gas passing through the interface.
• the present invention contemplates
• processor 92 determines a number of physical characteristics associated with respiration. This can be done using processor 92 or other circuitry based on the signal output from processor 92
• the present disclosure discloses a method for modifying the raw signal output from sensor 78.
• the present disclosure discloses a method for modifying the raw signal output from sensor 78.
• processor 92 such as that illustrated in Fig. 10 A, to determine the patient's
• breathing rate typically in breaths per minute (bpm)
• minute ventilation peak expiratory
• present invention contemplates using the volume signal, such as that illustrated in Fig.
• the patient In addition to determining a number of physical characteristics, the patient
• -31- fluctuations indicative of snoring can be used to trigger the application of a therapy, such
• a pressure support device if the presence or intensity of snoring, or more
• titration can also be accomplished based on the rise time of the flow signal.
• the frequency of the snore can be any frequency of the snore.
• the frequency of the snore signal can indicate the physical location of the
• Fig. 12 illustrates a flow signal 151 generated by the
• flow signal 151 appears in flow signal 151 as a series of high frequency oscillations 155 in flow signal
• the frequency of a snore can be used to determine the frequency of a snore
• vibration is related to the frequency of that snore vibration. For example, the lower the frequency of that snore vibration.
• present invention can determine the location of the structure in the patient that is causing
• the present invention also quantitatively determines the volume of the
• the patient snore can be accomplished, for example, as shown in Fig. 13.
• LPF low pass filter
• Snore flow signal 145 is the raw, uncalibrated analog snore flow signal.
• Snore flow signal 145 is the raw, uncalibrated analog snore flow signal.
• processor 146 which uses a look-up table or other technique, to determine
• snore flow signal 147 in integrator 148 provides a volume accurate snore signal 149
• negative portion of the snore flow signal can be integrated and the same result achieved.
• volume accurate snore signal are contemplated by the present invention.
• volume accurate snore signal are contemplated by the present invention.
• analog signal 145 can be integrated and then software can be used to determine the derivative, which is then converted into a quantitative flow signal to determine a quantitative snore flow signal. This quantitative snore flow signal can then
• patient flow either raw or quantitative, can be made using a conventional flow measuring
• a capnometer is used to determine other characteristics of the patient. For example, if a capnometer is used to determine other characteristics of the patient. For example, if a capnometer is used to determine other characteristics of the patient. For example, if a capnometer is used to determine other characteristics of the patient. For example, if a capnometer is used to determine other characteristics of the patient. For example, if a capnometer is used to determine other characteristics of the patient. For example, if a capnometer is used to determine other characteristics of the patient. For example, if a capnometer is used to determine other characteristics of the patient. For example, if a capnometer is used to determine other characteristics of the patient. For example, if a capnometer is used to determine other characteristics of the patient. For example, if a capnometer is used to determine other characteristics of the patient. For example, if a capnometer is used to determine other characteristics of the patient. For example, if a capnometer is used to determine other characteristics of the patient
• the flow signal and the capnometer information can be
• V CO V MIX ⁇ dt
• V M ⁇ x is the volume of gas expired by the patient
• PCO 2 is the pressure of carbon
• VM I X can be quantitatively determined by the present
• PCO 2 is determined using a capnometer
• P MI X is determined using a
• the mask serving as a
• Figs. 4A and 4B can have a wide variety of
• user interface 74 can be a nasal mask that covers only the
• User interface 72 and tube 82 can include structures that attach to the mask-like portion.
• a bacteria filter can be provided
• tube 82 anywhere along the length of tube 82. It is preferable to use a bacterial filter and tubing
• Fig. 14 illustrates an example of a plurality of interface meters 150, 152,
• a user interface which in this embodiment is a mask-type interface, a venting
• Interface meter 150 for example, includes a user interface 158 similar to
• interface meter 150 is a plurality of holes 160 provided in user interface 158.
• tube 162 having one end selectively coupled to user interface 158 and a second end
• housing 164 also a sensor (such as sensor 78 in the previous figures) in housing 164.
• Housing 164 also a sensor (such as sensor 78 in the previous figures) in housing 164.
• -37- contains the circuitry illustrated in Figs. 5 and 9 associated with the sensor.
• a bacteria filter 166 is provided between the first and second ends of tube 162.
• Housing 164 includes a display 167 that corresponds to output device 100 in Figs. 5 and 9 and an on/off activating mechanism 168. Housing 164 also includes a selector 170 so that the user can manually select the type of interface being coupled to housing 164. As discussed above, this enables the processor to use the appropriate look ⁇
• Selector 170 and on/off activating mechanism can be any suitable input device for controlling the circuitry and/or processing elements of the present invention.
• interface meter 150 is AC powered. It is to be understood, however, that any suitable power supply, such as batteries, can be used to energize the interface meter.
• Interface meter 150 also includes a wireless communication link 169 for communicating with a base unit 172.
• a wireless communication link 169 for communicating with a base unit 172.
• Any suitable wireless communication system such as an rf communication link or a modem and land line telephone, cellular, and/or satellite
• Interface meter 152 is similar to interface meter 150 except that user interface 174 in interface meter 152 does not have holes defined therein.
• An example of such masks are the nasal mask sold by RESPIRONICS Inc. under the trademark "GOLD
• a headgear 180 attaches the user interface to the patient.
• a hollow tube 162 couples a sensor in housing 164 to the
• Interface meter 152 communicates information with base unit 172 via a hard wired link 182.
• Interface meter 154 includes a first user interface 184 and a second user
• interface 186 Unlike interface meters 150 and 152, the interior of user interfaces 184 and
• Sensor 188 in interface meter 154 like sensor 78 in the previous
• a fluid characteristic such as the flow therethrough or the
• Base unit 172 processes the information provided by each interface. For example,
• the signal from each interface meter can be the raw flow signal from the sensor
• Base unit 172 can use these signals, as discussed above, to determine a variety of
• Base station 172 can communicate this
• base station 172 receives data from base station 172 from various output/storage devices, such as a display 196, a printer
• the multiple interface meter system illustrated in Fig. 14 is particularly
• the respiratory characteristics of a patient can be monitored from a
• remote location such as the patient's home or while the patient is in transit to a hospital.
• the present invention is not
• Nasal prongs 202 include protruding portions 204 that insert into the nares
• the diameters at each proximal end 206 of protruding portions 202 are sized
• An opening 208 is
• each protruding portion for communicating an interior
• Vent holes 212 is provided in the proximal end of protruding portions 204. Vent holes 212 perform
• Fig. 16 illustrates a third embodiment of an interface meter according to
• the interface meter in this embodiment includes a
• incubator chamber 220 as the interface that communicates with the airway of the user.
• Vent elements 224 are provided in the wall of incubator chamber 200 for communicating
• a sampling port is provided in the wall of
• tubing 226 can be eliminated and the flow
• Sensor 224 corresponds to the circuitry illustrated in Fig. 5 and 9.
• a breathing gas such as oxygen or an oxygen mixture
• vent elements 224 This leak will offset the raw flow or
• processor in sensor 224 is a true representation of the patient's inspiration and expiration.
• the present invention outputs a
• Fig. 17 illustrates a fourth embodiment of an interface meter 230
• a breathing gas supply provides a
• breathing gas such as oxygen or an oxygen mixture
• This embodiment of the present invention is particularly advantageous in that
• the patient is being provided with a breathing gas, which is a common medical procedure.
• Mask 232 in Fig. 17 includes a first port 234 into which breathing gas
• a suitable supply such as an oxygen tank 233 or oxygen concentrator
• the breathing gas need not be directly provided to the user
• the breathing gas can be provided to the
• sensor 238 corresponds to the circuitry illustrated in Figs. 5 and 9 of the previous embodiment. As with the previous
• a plurality of holes 240 are provided in the mask so that the mask defines a
• a breathing gas to mask 232 produces a substantially continuous leak from the mask.
• This supply of gas will skew the signals output from the sensor or from the processor so
• Fig. 18 illustrates a fifth embodiment of an interface meter according to
• -43- supplies a breathing gas to an interface 246 via a breathing circuit 248.
• interface 246 is a mask interface that covers the user's nose or the user's
• an adapter device 250 is coupled to the mask.
• Adapter device 250 attaches an end of
• Adapter device 250 also includes at least one hole
• a hollow tube 254 is coupled to a port defined in
• adapter device 250 to communicate an a sensor 256 with the interior of mask 246.
• sensor 256 can be coupled to other portions of the mask a
• sensor 256 can be coupled directly to a pick-off port
• mask 246 can be provided along breathing circuit 248, so long as sensor 256
• the device serves as the primary venting element, i.e., gas inlet/out, for the patient circuit.
• variable pressure is provided by positive pressure device 244, compensations techniques
• FIGs. 17 and 18 illustrate providing a supply of breathing gas to
• a breathing gas such as oxygen
• FIG. 1 illustrates a nasal prong patient interface that is similar to that illustrated in Fig.
• nasal prong interface 260 in Fig. 19 includes a supply of oxygen to the
• nasal prongs 260 include protruding portions 262 that insert into the nares of the user and opens are provided in each end of
• the proximal end of protruding portions 262 include at least one
• vent hole 264 that perform the same function as vent holes 212 in the nasal cannula
• a sensor (not shown) that performs the same function as sensor 78
• a breathing gas such as oxygen
• the present invention compensates for the bias caused by this
• a breathing gas can be any gas that can be used as a breathing gas.
• connecting tubes to be connected to each protruding portion of the nasal prong interface.
• processor 92 and 146 have be described in terms of an integrated circuit that is carries out a predetermined program, it is to be

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Anesthesiology (AREA)
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• Public Health (AREA)
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• Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
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• 1998
  • 1998-02-25 US US09/030,221 patent/US6017315A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
• 1999
  • 1999-02-23 ES ES99936037T patent/ES2289815T3/es not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1999-02-23 EP EP99936037A patent/EP1058570B1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
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  • 1999-02-23 JP JP2000533178A patent/JP3641431B2/ja not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1999-02-23 WO PCT/US1999/003839 patent/WO1999043388A1/en active IP Right Grant
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